Storage system and storage compartment

ABSTRACT

A storage system and compartment are provided. The storage system includes a bottom plate, front and back plates, and opposing side plates which define a compartment to receive a storage box. The storage system is configured to interface with a secondary surface, such interface achieved through interactions between the opposing side plates and the secondary surface. In some embodiments the secondary surface is associated with a storage compartment. The front plate is dimensioned such as to leave an aperture between the front plate and the secondary surface which is dimensioned to selectively receive a storage box. In some embodiments, the front plate is angled to provide facilitate selective retention of said storage box while still allowing ease of access. The back plate is dimensioned to prevent the storage box from sliding between the back plate and the secondary surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/871,084, filed Jul. 5, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to storage systems. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with storage systems and methods for storing items under surfaces.

BACKGROUND

One of the many considerations in designing a fishing boat is storage space and organization. The boat introduces physical limitations of available space. Often, a fisherman may pack a fishing boat with belongings that may be needed throughout a full day of fishing. These belongings may include various fishing supplies such as rods, tackle boxes, hooks, lures, etc. as well as other items such as water, food, and lifejackets. Thus, storage can run out quickly on a fishing boat.

In particular, a fisherman may desire to bring on board a large quantity of fishing tackle. A fisherman may utilize plastic storage boxes comprising various compartments to store and organize the large quantity of fishing tackle. Accordingly, many boats have storage compartments stacked full of these plastic storage boxes. Although a fisherman may bring along various types of tackle, depending on the season, and location, a fisherman may benefit from being able to easily access a select few types of tackle throughout the day. In addition, it is desirable to provide systems and method of storage of items under various surfaces, including, but not necessarily limited to locations within or not within a fishing boat, such as under storage shelves, or in other locations. The instant inventive concept provides systems and methods of storage of items under surfaces.

SUMMARY

The present invention comprises a storage system and storage compartment. In some embodiments the storage compartment is covered by a storage lid which is capable of being rotated about a hinge to an open position or a closed position. In various embodiments, the storage compartment is used to store various objects, such as fishing rods on a fishing boat. The inside surface of the storage lid includes a bracket or other securing mechanism. A storage system is mounted to the bracket and is configured to selectively receive and/or retain a storage box.

In a mounted position, a surface of the storage system faces a surface of the bracket. The storage system comprises a back plate, a front plate and side plates. In some embodiments, the back plate is configured to secure a storage box placed inside the storage system such that the storage box does not slide out of the storage system. Similarly, in some embodiments, the front plate is also configured to maintain storage box securely in place inside the storage system. In some embodiments, the front plate comprises a partial wall, where an angle between the bottom of the storage system and front plate is greater than 90 degrees. This allows the front plate to retain the storage box within the storage system while also providing for relatively easy insertion and removal of the storage box. In various embodiments, a storage box is capable of being placed into the storage system by sliding the storage box over the front plate.

In various embodiments, the back plate prevents storage box from sliding out of the storage system. In some embodiments, the height of back plate is such that the clearance between back plate and the surface on which the storage system is mounted is less than the height of the box (or other item) that is intended to be stored within the storage system, preventing the box (or other item) from sliding out of the storage system.

The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possible embodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof. Various features and subcombinations of invention may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention and various features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which the applicant has contemplated applying the principles, is set forth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a storage system of an embodiment of the inventive concept mounted on the underside of an access door in a boat.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the storage system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the storage system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the storage system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the storage system of FIG. 1, including a view with a tackle storage box located within the storage system.

FIGS. 6A-E shows various views of a storage system of another embodiment of the inventive concept, including a view with a tackle storage box that is capable of being located within the storage system.

Exhibit A shows various views of the storage system of FIGS. 1 through 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, a detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Although the various embodiments shown and described herein are directed to a storage system implemented on a boat, it will be appreciated that other embodiments are implemented in locations (below surfaces) that are not on a boat, such as on the underside of a storage shelf in a storage room. More particularly, the various embodiments shown and described herein are directed to a storage system for storing boxes on a fishing boat. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that other embodiments of the inventive concept are directed to storage systems for storing numerous types items at various locations. The boxes stored via the system of the inventive concept may be plastic boxes used by a fisherman to store tackle and the like, or other items that might need to be accessed frequently and within easy reach.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description to refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different companies/persons may refer to a component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function.

In the following discussion, the terms “including”, “having”, and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . ”. Also, the term “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection is capable of being coupled through a direct connection or through an indirect connection via other devices and connections.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a storage system mounted on a door of a storage compartment of a boat. In particular, FIG. 1 depicts a boat 100 comprising a storage compartment 102. As depicted, storage compartment 102 has a depth 114 that defines a maximum depth from front to back of the storage system of the inventive concept that is capable of being located within the storage compartment. In some embodiments, storage compartment 102 is covered by a storage lid 104 which is capable of being rotated about a hinge 106 to an open position or a closed position. As depicted, storage lid 104 is rotated about hinge 106 such that the storage lid 104 is in an open position and the inside of the storage compartment 102 is visible. In a closed position, storage lid 104 is capable of being rotated about hinge 106 such that the storage lid 104 completely covers the opening to the storage compartment 102.

In various embodiments, storage compartment 102 is used to store various objects, such as fishing rods on a fishing boat. The example fishing rods are typically placed close to the bottom of the storage compartment 102, such that when the storage lid 104 is in a closed position, an amount of unused space is present between a top surface of the rods and the inside surface 116 of the storage lid 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the inside surface 116 of the storage lid 104 and the rods is about three to six inches.

The inside surface 116 of some embodiments of the storage lid 104 includes a bracket 108. In some cases the bracket is a reinforcing member (e.g., strip of wood or metal) to ensure the lid 104 has sufficient structural rigidity. In the case of a bass boat, the fisherman may stand on the lid 104 when the lid is in the closed position. In various embodiments, storage systems 110 and 112 are mounted on bracket 108; although it will be appreciated that in other embodiments storage systems are mounted at other locations. As depicted, storage system 110 is shown without a storage box (such as a tackle box) placed inside, and storage system 112 is shown with a storage box 114 placed inside storage system 112.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the storage system 110, in accordance with example systems. As depicted in FIG. 2, storage system 110 is unmounted. In a mounted position, surface 208 of the storage system 110 faces a surface of the bracket 108, depicted in FIG. 1. Additionally, in a mounted position, a back plate is closest to hinge 106. Storage system 110 comprises the back plate 204, a front plate 202 and side plates 206, and 212. As described further below, in some embodiments, back plate 204 is configured to secure a storage box 114 placed inside storage system 110 such that the storage box 114 does not slide out of the storage system 110. Similarly, in some embodiments, front plate 202 is also configured to maintain storage box 114 securely in place inside storage system 110. In various embodiments, storage system 110 is mounted on bracket 108 through apertures 210 A-D, through the use of screws or other suitable fasteners. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, other means of mounting the storage system of the inventive concept to the surface on which it is mounted are utilized, including, but not necessarily limited to double-sided tape, glue, etc. The type of mount/fastener will depend upon the surface on which the storage system is to be mounted and the weight to be supported.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the storage system 110. As described previously, storage system 110 comprises a front plate 202. As depicted, storage system 110 comprises a storage box 114 placed inside storage system 110. As is further depicted, in various embodiments, side plate 206 comprises a portion 206A that is proximate to surface 208 and abuts the bottom of the storage system 110. Side plate 206 additionally comprises a portion 206B that is proximate to and abuts portion 206A as depicted. In various embodiments, apertures 210A and 210B are located in portion 206B for mounting screws or other fasteners. Side plate 212 is constructed in a manner similar to side plate 206. The location and number of apertures vary depending upon mounting location and/or other mounting requirements.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the storage system 110. As is described previously, storage system 110 comprises a front plate 202 and a back plate 204. In some embodiments, front plate 202 comprises a partial wall proximate to surface 208, where an angle between the bottom of the storage system 110 and front plate 202 is greater than 90 degrees. This allows the front plate to retain the storage box within the storage system while also providing for relatively easy insertion and removal of the storage box. In various embodiments, a storage box 114 is capable of being placed into the storage system 110 by sliding the storage box 114 over the front plate 202. Suitable clearance is provided between the top of front plate 202 and the surface to which the storage system 110 is mounted to allow storage box 114 to fit therebetween.

Storage system 110 also comprises a back plate 204 proximate to surface 208. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, an angle between the bottom of the storage system 110 and back plate 204 is less than 90 degrees. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, such as that of FIG. 6, the angle is approximately 90 degrees. In various embodiments, back plate 204 prevents storage box 114 from sliding out of the storage system 110. In particular, in configurations where the storage system 110 is mounted on storage lid 104, and the storage lid 104 is placed in an open position, back plate 204 prevent storage box 114 from sliding out of the storage system 110. In some embodiments, the height of back plate 204 is such that the clearance between back plate 204 and the surface on which the storage system is mounted is less than the height of the box (or other item) that is intended to be storage within the storage system. This prevents the box (or other item) from sliding out of the back of the storage system.

FIG. 5 shows a view of the storage system 110 from the top. Storage system 502 does not show a storage box 110 placed inside of storage system 502, while system 504 shows a storage box 110 placed inside of storage system 504.

It is noted that in some embodiments the storage system is capable of retaining a tackle storage box (or other similar container) having a height less than approximately 1.63 inches, which is the clearance between the top of the front plate and the surface to which the storage system is mounted. In some embodiments, the vertical height of the front plate is approximately 0.25 inches, leaving the approximately 1.63 clearance discussed above. In some embodiments, the angle of the front plate is approximately 120 degrees (or 60 degrees when measured from in front of the front plate). In some embodiments, the entire bottom of the storage system is generally flat.

Embodiments of the storage systems of the inventive concept are made of various materials, depending upon the desired strength and other parameters. In some embodiments a generally rigid material is utilized. In some embodiments, a metal material is utilized. In other embodiments, a plastic material is utilized.

Although various sizes and dimensions are shown in the illustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated that other embodiments of varying sizes and shapes are utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention. In some embodiments, the storage system is designed to retain multiple boxes sides by side or even on top of each other (in some such embodiments in which boxes are stored on top of each other, front and back plates would also extend from the surface on which the storage system is mounted). In some embodiments, additional retainer features are included to help hold the storage box or other items within the storage system, including but not limited to snaps, clip, strap, netting, etc.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventions is by way of example, and the scope of the inventions is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention has been described by reference to an exemplary embodiment, and the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that certain changes, modification or variations may be made in embodying the above invention, and in the construction thereof, other than those specifically set forth herein, may be achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such changes, modification or variations are to be considered as being within the overall scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention and any and all changes, modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall with in the true spirit and scope of the underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. Consequently, the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the attached claims, all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the invention is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage system, the storage system comprising: a bottom surface; a front plate connected to said bottom surface, thereby forming a first angle; and a back plate connected to said bottom surface, substantially opposite said front plate, thereby forming a second angle.
 2. The storage system of claim 1, wherein said first angle is greater than 90 degrees.
 3. The storage system of claim 2, wherein said second angle is less than 90 degrees.
 4. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising a storage box, wherein said bottom surface, front plate, and back plate define a compartment, said compartment being configured to selectively receive said storage box.
 5. The storage system of claim 4, wherein said storage system is mounted to a secondary surface.
 6. The storage system of claim 5, wherein said secondary surface is the door of a storage compartment.
 7. The storage system of claim 5, wherein said storage system is mounted to said secondary surface via one or more bracket.
 8. The storage system of claim 5, wherein suitable clearance is provided between the top of said front plate and said secondary surface to which the storage system is mounted to allow the storage box to fit therebetween.
 9. The storage system of claim 8, wherein said first angle is greater than 90 degrees.
 10. The storage system of claim 9, wherein said second angle is less than 90 degrees.
 11. A storage compartment, the storage compartment comprising: a lid coupled to a base; and a storage system secured to said lid, wherein said lid is configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration relative to said base, and wherein said storage system and said lid define an aperture configured to selectively receive a storage box.
 12. The storage compartment of claim 11, said storage system comprising: a bottom surface; a front plate connected to said bottom surface, thereby forming a first angle; and a back plate connected to said bottom surface, substantially opposite said front plate, thereby forming a second angle.
 13. The storage compartment of claim 12, wherein said front plate of said storage system defines at least one edge of said aperture.
 14. The storage compartment of claim 13, wherein said storage box is retained within said storage system as said lid moves between said open and closed configurations.
 15. The storage compartment of claim 14, wherein said first angle is greater than 90 degrees.
 16. The storage compartment of claim 12, wherein the height of said back plate is such that the clearance between said back plate and said lid is less than the height of said storage box.
 17. The storage compartment of claim 11, wherein said storage compartment is configured to store one or more items.
 18. The storage compartment of claim 11, said storage system comprising: a bottom surface; and opposing side plates.
 19. The storage compartment of claim 18, wherein each respective side plate comprises a first portion and a second portion, said first portion abutting the bottom surface and said second portion proximate to and abutting said first portion.
 20. The storage compartment of claim 19, wherein said second portion facilitates the securing of said storage system to said lid. 